Juma Mosque, Baku

Juma Mosque, Baku (Azerbaijan)

Juma Mosque of Shamakhi is a mosque in the city of Shamakhi Azerbaijan. Construction date of the mosque- 743-744 relies on research of a geological commission coming from Tiflis which was led by prince Shahgulu Qajar. This date was defined with Arabic ligature on the facade of the Juma Mosque stating the year 126 according to Islamic calendar as the establishment year. Just in this period the construction of new religious buildings mosques was begun in the territory of Azerbaijan. Historical appearance of ancient Islamic architectural monuments was related to Arabs governance and spreading of Islam in the territory of Azerbaijan. Juma Mosque of Shamakhi is considered the first mosque in the Caucasus after cathedral Juma Mosque of Derbent which was constructed in 734. The construction date of the mosque is dated from the governance period of Caliphates vicar in the Caucasus and Dagestan Arabic commander Maslam ibn Abd-al Melik brother of Umayyad caliph Valil I (705-715) by whom Shamakhi was chosen as the residence. In these years Arab governors strengthening towers of this ancient city with the rich cultural heritage began the construction of new structures in its territory. Arabs attached the great importance to Shamakhi which is visible from the great architectural appearance of Juma Mosque.